SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that $2.38 million was raised over the course of the 2008-09 season by the AHL and its 29 member clubs for donation to various charitable causes and relief funds across North America.
Among the recipients of the AHL’s charity endeavors were:
• Ace Bailey Children’s Foundation
• American and Canadian Cancer Societies
• American Heart Association
• Autism Speaks
• Big Brothers Big Sisters
• Boys & Girls Clubs
• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
• Easter Seals
• Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
• Make-A-Wish Foundation
• March of Dimes
• Multiple Sclerosis Society
• Ronald McDonald House Charities
• Special Olympics
• Susan G. Komen for the Cure
• Toys for Tots
• United Way
and many more…
In addition to monies raised, AHL teams gave back to their local communities through numerous activities, including nearly 2,000 visits by players and coaches to schools, hospitals, libraries and other locations and nearly 3,000 more mascot appearances. More than 200,000 game tickets were donated to local charitable groups, and items such as food, coats, Christmas gifts and hockey equipment were collected at various drives organized by AHL clubs.
Additionally, charities in all AHL cities were the beneficiaries of a generous donation of game tickets by Reebok-CCM, the Premier Equipment Supplier of the AHL.
In operation since 1936, the AHL continues to serve as the top development league for all 30 National Hockey League teams. More than 84 percent of today’s NHL players are American Hockey League graduates, and the 2008-09 season marks the eighth consecutive year in which more than 6 million fans have attended AHL games across North America.
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Contact:
Jason Chaimovitch, Vice President of Communications
AJ Atchue, Coordinator of Communications
(413) 781-2030
